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Should I leave it all winter

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jrohland, Dec 5, 2005.

  1. jrohland

    jrohland Guest

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    With snow predicted for the Washington DC area tonight, I parked Cousin Presee in the driveway and filled up the Blazer's tank. I forgot about the cost of gas for normal vehicles.

    While I would like to try the Prius in the snow, I am worried it might get hit. I keep the '92 Blazer (4x4, limited slip rear diff, 4 wheel antilock brakes and mud/snow tires) around for winter weather.

    Should I leave the Pruis in the drive all winter or, should I drive it when the roads are clear? In the DC area, we normally get about three show storms of any size per winter season. I could drive the Pruis most of the winter without undo concern.

    Hmm. I wonder.

    jrohland
     
    #1 jrohland, Dec 5, 2005
  2. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    Well I chickened out and drove the Ford Explorer when it snowed. Many people in western Washington do not know how to drive in the snow. You have two large classes of drivers and one small one. First there are the people that are driving 15 mph everywhere, even if the snow mainly off the road. Then there is the group that seems to drive faster mostly big pickup trucks and SUV. Last there are the few who learned to drive in the snow and try to stay out of the way of the other two groups and watch them slide into each other. The Ford (the beast) can take the hit for Belle. It’s scary out there. I drive the Prius when there is no snow on the road.
     
    #2 hdrygas, Dec 5, 2005
  3. jwe8f

    jwe8f New Member

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    This is not Prius-specific, but I always keep my old car when I get a new one, so I use the old car instead of the new one on bad days. No one wants to have some idiot slide into their shiny new car!

    I usually do that the first couple of years until the 'newness' wears off... :rolleyes:
     
    #3 jwe8f, Dec 5, 2005
  4. jwe8f

    jwe8f New Member

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    You should start following those people -- imagine the gas savings! (at least if your engine is warmed up) :lol:
     
    #4 jwe8f, Dec 5, 2005
  5. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Every two or three weeks turn it on and leave it in "P" for 10 minutes to keep the traction battery happy. Have the garage door open while doing this.
     
    #5 richard schumacher, Dec 5, 2005
  6. PhotoLady

    PhotoLady New Member

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    I am planning on using my Prius as long as the roads are clear, and using the F-150 4x4 on those days when snow is expected or the raods are in bad shape.

    Most of the winter, we don't get much snow either, but I would rather not take a chance with my new baby!! My communte is 35 miles and my truck is 8 years old and has snow all round .. :)

    I don't have snow tires on my Prius, and although she has VSC, I know that most everyone else doesn't and that they usually forget how to drive in snow!! <_<
     
    #6 PhotoLady, Dec 5, 2005
  7. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Since you have the 4x4 and you stated that storms fairly rare, why not drive the 4x4 during the storm? I drive my Prius all year round, but I have a good set of studless snow tires - Yokohama Ice Guard - for my Prius.
     
    #7 jayman, Dec 5, 2005
  8. jrohland

    jrohland Guest

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    Sorry, I don't have the details of the diff. I do know it can be fun in large parking lots. With the 4x4 off and the limited-slip rear diff, I can do great drifting in snow. Something the Blazer doesn't have the horsepower to do even on wet pavement.

    jrohland
     
    #8 jrohland, Dec 5, 2005
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